ES2745065T3 - Reciprocating syringes and procedure - Google Patents

Abstract

A reciprocating syringe, comprising: a frame, defining a first receptacle (401) and a second receptacle (405); the first receptacle is suitable for retaining a first implantable syringe tube and the second receptacle is suitable for retaining a second implantable syringe tube; a plunger complex (504), comprising a first plunger (106) suitable for use with a syringe tube retained in the first receptacle, and a second plunger (116) suitable for use with a syringe tube retained in the second receptacle, where the first and second plungers are coupled such that movement of the first plunger in one direction in a syringe tube retained in the first receptacle causes movement of the second plunger out of a syringe tube retained in the second receptacle, and such that movement of the second plunger in the direction of a syringe tube retained in the second receptacle causes movement of the first plunger out of a syringe tube retained in the first receptacle; characterized in that the first retained implantable syringe tube is an introducer syringe tube, and the first plunger has an outlet cavity suitable for passage of an introducer cable therethrough.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Reciprocating syringes and procedure

Technical field

This application refers to the field of medical devices, more specifically to the field of syringes.

Prior art

Syringes are used to inject medications, to aspirate body fluids, to create vacuum and to transfer fluids. Many complicated medical procedures can benefit from the ability to use a syringe with one hand so that the other hand can be used for other tasks. However, aspiration with a standard syringe is difficult and uncomfortable if a hand is used, which results in the loss of precision and strength during aspiration. A new syringe design that allows both injection and aspiration with one hand while maintaining the precision and strength needed to generate high pressure and vacuum would be a breakthrough in syringe technology.

The syringes may both inject and aspirate, but occasionally it may be important to fix or block the plunger relative to the tube to prevent the plunger from entering the tube (involuntary injection) or exiting it (involuntary aspiration). To prevent this, several plunger lock designs are proposed. See, for example, U.S. Patent 4,386,606 Tretinyak; US Patent 4,890,626 Wang. These piston locks are particularly valuable for performing aspiration and maintaining a vacuum during puncture biopsy procedures. See, for example, US patent 5830152 Liang-Che Tan; US Patent 411882 Minasian; U.S. Patent 5,891,052 Simmons; U.S. Patent 4,791,937 Wang; U.S. Patent 4,874,385 Moran; U.S. Patent 5,957,864 Oosterhof. Most of these patents provide constant vacuum and suction instead of variable vacuum.

The first attempts of aspiration with a single hand to provide variable vacuum involved the use of an external device that integrates with the syringe and allows the plunger to move forward or backward by means of pushing movements of the fingers with one hand, instead of movements of two-hand drive (US Patent 3990446.Taylor; Jewel Dean Randolph. 1976. Hypodermic syringe for stabilized aspiration with one hand). Other patents create the same device in essence (US patent 5582595.1996. Haber; Terry M., Smedley; William H. Suction syringe that has a plunger guide for a corresponding plunger assembly.), And some use an adapter that can be adjusted in a conventional syringe (US Patent 5135511, Houghton; Frederick C. 1992 Assembly for aspiration tissue, which includes an adapter for a syringe.). Various U.S. patents (U.S. Patent 4484915.1984, Tartaglia; John A. Medical Syringe; U.S. Patent 4639248, Schweblin; Jean-Denis. 1987. Syringe, U.S. Patent 6,368,308 Nerney, April 9, 2002. Syringe that has a advanced piston control; U.S. Patent 4594073. Stine, Charles R. June 10, 1986. Suction Syringe Holder; U.S. Patent 4967762 DeVeris, James H. Nov. 6, 1990. Biopsy Syringe with Suction Grille; U.S. Patent 5115816. Lee, Peter F .. May 26, 1992. One-hand controlled fine needle aspiration device; U.S. Patent 05469860 De Santis, Stephen A. November 28, 1995. Suction cytology device syringe holder with fine needle; US Patent 5498246 Deutchman, Mark E., Deutchman Arnold H.

March 12, 1996. Vacuum / injector device with handle that attaches to the palm of the hand; Description of US Patent 337821, July 27, 1993. Tan, Henry K. Fine needle aspiration biopsy syringe.) Describe a syringe with an external that attaches to the plunger, which allows one-handed operation.

All the mentioned designs are completely different, since they use a single piston and a single piston. In addition, the position of the index, heart and thumb fingers must change in these syringes when changing from the aspiration mode to the injection mode, which results in intraoperative instability. In addition, during single-handed aspiration with these devices, the tube and needle advance beyond the index and ring fingers (loss of stable platform), which creates significant difficulties in controlling and locating the needle, and results in instability and unpredictability during procedures. The present invention (the reciprocating syringe, operated with the thumb and double plunger) completely eliminates the above problems by means of a stable platform for injection and aspiration with the index and the annular in a fixed position, so that the only movement What is required is a lateral movement of the thumb towards the reciprocating plunger.

Other patents describe more complicated two-compartment syringes and double-plunger syringes, but are based on a single tube and are designed to mix or administer two different substances (U.S. Patent 3685514: Cheney; Paul E. 1972. Two-compartment syringe; patent American 5188616: Nadal; Guy. 1993. Syringe with double plunger.). Others describe devices with double piston (US Patent 4036232: Genese Joseph Nicholas 1977. Suction Device .; US Patent 4437859: Whitehouse; Craig M., Cox; Nigel, Burt; Allan G., Snyder; Daniel R .: 1984. Bomb of hydraulic syringe.), mechanically or hydraulically driven, to aspirate fluids or administer medications.

There are only three prior patents describing the basic reciprocating syringe (US Patent 6,245,046 B1 Sibbitt, Wilmer L. Jr .: Reciprocating Syringes, June 12, 2001, U.S. Patent 6,962,5766 B1: Reciprocating Syringes. Sibbitt, Wilmer L. Jr. published on November 8, 2005, and US Patent 6,231,550 Laughlin, Joshua, May 15, 2001. Aspiration and injection syringe with single grip position and with one hand), of which Sibbitt patents are the most relevant in terms of filing priority. The reciprocating syringe is characterized by two pistons, piston equivalents or parallel longitudinal members that are mechanically joined so that they move reciprocatingly (alternately), so that when one piston rises the other one it lowers through a pulley system, transmission, hydraulic or other mechanism when flexing the thumb (U.S. Patent 6,245,046 B1 Sibbitt, Wilmer L. Jr .: Reciprocating Syringes, June 12, 2001, U.S. Patent 6,962.5766 B1: Reciprocating Syringes. Sibbitt, Wilmer L. Jr. Published on November 8, 2005). This allows the syringe to work using only one hand for injection and aspiration. The present invention comprises improvements in the design of reciprocating syringes, the conversion of conventional syringes into reciprocating syringes, production methods of reciprocating syringes, and the specific application of plunger blockages to reciprocating syringes and other improvements, all with special implications for syringe-based procedures

Description of the invention

The present invention provides a reciprocating syringe that can be used in connection with existing syringe tubes and accessories. In some embodiments, the syringe may comprise a frame adapted to retain two existing syringe tubes. The frame may contain accessories (for example, needles) in one or both tubes, in various embodiments of the present invention. The invention also provides a plunger complex comprising two plungers, each adapted for use with one of the syringe tubes. The two pistons are coupled so that pushing each plunger into its tube causes the other plunger to push its tube out. The two plungers can be coupled by a flexible conduit fixed to a plunger, which goes from the plunger, exits the corresponding tube and passes to the other tube, and is fixed on the other plunger. The invention contemplates various frame configurations to contain the desired duct and pulley performance characteristics.

In other embodiments, the syringe comprises a frame adapted to retain an existing syringe tube and an auxiliary actuator mounted with the frame. Said actuator may provide a plunger operation similar to that of a syringe, or it may comprise other manipulable structures. The auxiliary actuator can be coupled to a piston adapted for use with the syringe tube, so that pressing the plunger and inserting it into the tube causes the actuator to move in reverse, and moving the actuator in reverse causes the piston comes out, in relation to its tube.

The parallel drive may cause interference between pistons or actuators during operation, and may also cause incorrect manual handling due to limited space for the operator's fingers. The invention also contemplates assemblies of the two tubes, or the tube and an auxiliary actuator, so that the operating axes are not parallel. In some embodiments, the two axes of operation diverge from each other so that the operable ends of the pistons / actuator are separated by a more reasonable distance.

Some conventional syringe tubes have marks, for example, marks to indicate the volume displaced. Some embodiments of the present invention comprise a frame having an optically transmitted portion that allows these marks to be seen even when the frame retains the tube. Such optically transmitted portions may include clipped areas of the frame and transparent areas (windows) in the frame. The invention also comprises various materials, methods, geometries and housing of various existing syringe designs and applications, of which examples are described below.

The advantages and novel features will be apparent to those skilled in the art after examining the following description, or will be known when putting the invention into practice. The advantages of the invention can be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations that are highlighted in the appended claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a reciprocating syringe with non-parallel and angular tubes or ducts, stopper and resistance devices and asymmetric thumb support points.

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a pulley transmission and a piston complex.

Figure 3 (a, b) is a schematic illustration of self-guided pulleys.

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a syringe apparatus having an outer frame or a housing as the base of the tube complex.

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a syringe apparatus assembled as in Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a piston lock system.

Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of an interior insert accessory according to the present invention, suitable for cables and catheters.

Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of a reciprocating safety syringe.

Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of a reciprocating safety syringe.

Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of a reciprocating Menghini needle syringe.

Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of a reciprocating syringe with two functional tubes and needle catheter fittings.

Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of a high pressure reciprocating syringe suitable for use with contrast and other high pressure rapid injections.

Figure 13 (a, b, c) comprises schematic illustrations of variations of the tube complex.

Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of a reciprocating introduction syringe according to the present invention.

Ways of carrying out the invention and industrial applicability

Syringes are an essential element in the routine practice of medicine and nursing, but they are also essential in industry, laboratory science, research and livestock. Syringes are used to inject medications, to aspirate body fluids, to create vacuum and to transfer fluids. The design of the syringe most commonly used in medicine consists of a tube made of plastic and an inner plunger that enters or exits the tube, resulting in pressure or a vacuum, respectively. The pressure difference between the volume of the syringe and the outside is produced by the movement of the plunger, resulting in the movement of the liquid into or out of the syringe. These pressure differences create the desired effect of a syringe, that is, aspiration or injection.

Injection with a standard syringe is simple, and uses the strength of the flexor muscles of the hand and forearm. Injection with a standard syringe can usually be done with one hand, which releases the other hand to perform other necessary tasks or procedures. In this technique, the second (index) and the third finger (heart) are located on the finger tab of the syringe, and the thumb is placed on the thumb support of the plunger. The fingers come together, resulting in a powerful injection thanks to the contraction of the flexor muscles of the hand and forearm. The possibility of using a syringe with one hand in this way and using the other hand for other tasks is important in many complicated procedures.

Aspiration with a standard syringe generally requires the use of two hands to generate the necessary power and maintain precise control. Usually, this is achieved by using one hand to control the tube and the other hand to pull the support point of the plunger thumb. The two-handed technique uses the muscular strength of both hands and both arms. So you can get very powerful emptying, with rapid movements of liquid in the syringe. This technique is often used when very precise control of the syringe or enough force is required.

One-handed aspiration with a standard syringe is possible, but it can be difficult and uncomfortable. Usually one of two different techniques is used. In a first procedure, the support point of the plunger thumb is grasped with the second and third fingers (index and heart), and the thumb is placed on the finger tab of the syringe. The fingers bend forcibly, while the thumb remains extended. As a result, the plunger is removed, so that an effective aspiration is obtained. There are several problems with this procedure, among which are 1) the precise control of the syringe is lost (which can be important when there is a sharp needle inside cell tissues), 2) the entire syringe tends to turn, which the control is further reduced, 3) due to the size of the syringe components compared to the dimensions and strength of the human hand, this procedure can be extremely difficult with syringes larger than 10 cc (i.e., 20cc or 60cc) , and 4) the aspiration force is generated by the weak flexor muscles of the hand (without using the strong flexors of the thumb and forearm), which results in weaker aspiration. Therefore, this one-handed procedure is unsatisfactory for many applications.

One-hand aspiration can also be achieved with the alternative thumb procedure. In this procedure, the syringe tube is grasped with the four fingers and the thumb is placed under the support point of the plunger thumb. If the syringe is firmly grasped with the fingers, the thumb is extended and aspiration is achieved. The alternative thumb procedure has several disadvantages: 1) although a certain degree of control is maintained, it is not the precise control of the fingers but the coarser control of the forearm muscles, 2) the aspiration is weak, because it is achieved with weak thumb extenders, 3) it is difficult to achieve complete aspiration without changing the handle, 4) the syringe usually points to the operator, which is the opposite direction to that required in a medical procedure (except for a person who drugs are injected), and 5) when the thumb is extended, the hypothenic tissues are compressed under the syringe, which results in an unpredictable deviation from the needle side of the syringe, with some loss of control.

With any of the techniques, one-handed aspiration with a standard syringe is difficult and uncomfortable, resulting in loss of precision and strength during aspiration. With the loss of control there is a higher rate of procedural failures and contamination. With the loss of force the suction speed is reduced, especially for viscous fluids. Due to the loss of force and control with one-handed aspiration, procedures that require precise control of the syringe during aspiration or the generation of a vacuum with force will require the use of both hands during aspiration to maintain both the Strength as control. A syringe that allows both injection and aspiration with one hand while maintaining the precision and strength necessary to generate high pressure and vacuum would be a breakthrough in syringe technology.

Although there are three previous patents describing a basic reciprocating syringe (US Patent 6,245,046 B1, Sibbitt "Reciprocating Syringes", published June 12, 2001; US Patent 6,962,5766 B1: Reciprocating Syringes. Sibbitt, Wilmer L. Jr. published on November 8, 2005; and US Patent 6,231,550, Laughlin, published on May 15, 2001, "Single-handed, single-handed suction and injection syringe"), improvements, conversions, procedures Production and plunger locks with reciprocating syringes have not been described previously. The present patent describes improvements in the design of reciprocating syringes, the conversion of conventional and special syringes into reciprocating syringes, production procedures of reciprocating syringes, and the specific application of plunger blockages to reciprocating syringes, all with special implications for the procedures. syringe based.

A reciprocating syringe can be characterized by two pistons, piston equivalents or parallel longitudinal members that are mechanically joined so that they move reciprocatingly (alternative): when one piston rises the other low, coupled by mechanisms such as a pulley system , gears or hydraulic.

The present invention can provide a syringe that allows the injection and aspiration of liquids or gas through the use of a hand, and can be applied to the fields of health, research and industry. The present invention uses an inner or outer auxiliary piston, or an equivalent to a piston (member) with or without an auxiliary tube (or guide), which is mechanically associated with the plunger of a functional syringe, resulting in a set of reciprocating plungers When the functional plunger is depressed with the thumb, the functional syringe injects; and when the auxiliary piston is depressed with the same thumb, the functional syringe aspirates. This allows the index and heart to remain in one position during aspiration and injection, while the thumb only has to move laterally between the functional and auxiliary pistons to change the direction of aspiration or injection. The resulting syringe is very stable, since the only thing that changes is the position of the thumb, and gaps or pressures can develop with great force, since strong flexors of the fingers, thumb and forearms are used both for aspiration As for the injection. The syringe can be used with one hand, and can be used in all cases where standard syringes are used. The syringe offers particular advantages in medical procedures where one-handed injection or aspiration is required (such as cardiac catheterization, emergency procedures, certain types of surgery, pediatric and veterinary procedures, and with those who can only use one hand ). The invention includes reciprocating syringes with non-parallel tube or guides, stopper and resistance devices, asymmetric thumb supports, design and construction of the plunger complex with pulley transmission, self-guided and integrated pulleys.

Execution of example. Non-parallel plungers, asymmetric thumb support points, additional resistance.

US 6,245,046 B1, 6,962,5766 B1 and 6,231,550 describe reciprocating syringes with parallel tubes or conduits for the movement of reciprocating pistons, piston equivalents or reciprocating members. Reciprocity e can be accomplished by multiple mechanical means, including static and non-static pulley systems, transmission systems, tires and other mechanical means, activated by the movement of the human thumb. However, it is not necessary that the tube or the ducts be strictly parallel to allow this reciprocating movement. Rather, reciprocity can be effected by orientation in non-parallel guides completely analogous to the parallel tube / conduit already described. An exemplary embodiment with non-parallel pistons is schematically described in Figure 1. A dominant syringe 101 comprises a needle fit 102, a plug / resistance device 103 in the plunger, a functional tube 104, a finger tab 105, a functional plunger 106 and a symmetrical or asymmetric thumb support point 107 An auxiliary syringe comprises an auxiliary tube or guide 111, with or without needle adjustment; a plug / resistor device 112 in an auxiliary piston; a non-parallel tube or guide 113 for the auxiliary piston, an equivalent to the piston or a reciprocating member; a reciprocating mechanical connection between the pistons (pulley, transmission, hydraulics or mechanism), in this case a monofilament pulley mechanism 114 fixed to the two pistons; a tab for finger 115; an auxiliary piston 116, an equivalent to the reciprocating piston or member, a support point for the symmetric or asymmetric thumb 117 on the auxiliary piston 116; with the tubes, guides, plungers, piston equivalents or reciprocating members mounted at an angle 118 between each other.

Non-parallel reciprocating syringes, such as that in Figure 1, are more or less similar to the parallel reciprocating syringes already described, but non-parallel syringes allow plungers, piston equivalents or reciprocating members to move toward each other. or separate, depending on the angle between the two tubes or guides and the reciprocity cycle. With parallel reciprocating syringes, plungers, thumb points and thumbs can interact detrimentally (for example, interfere with each other) during a reciprocating cycle. This can cause instability of the device and loss of control of the syringe. With non-parallel tubes or ducts, the interference between the pistons, the support points of the thumb and the thumbs can be reduced by the angle between the two tubes or ducts. Orienting the tubes away from each other can increase the distance between the plungers and thus reduce the harmful interaction between the plungers, the thumb support points and the thumbs.

Figure 1 demonstrates this beneficial effect. A dominant or functional syringe 101 has a conventional relationship with a needle adjustment 102. An auxiliary or guide tube 111 is mounted with the dominant syringe 101 at an angle 118. A Because of the angular mounting relationship, the two plungers 106, 116, and consequently the corresponding support points for the thumb 107, 117 are not parallel, and therefore are separated at the distal ends by a distance d. Contrary to what happens with the reciprocating syringes with parallel tube or guide already described, this distance d is greater than the sum of 1/2 of the diameter of the functional tube and 1/2 of the diameter of the tube or auxiliary conduit, and thus increases effectively this distance between the two plungers and their respective thumb points. The increase in distance reduces interference between the two pistons, the thumb and thumb support points and thus facilitates the fluid movement and operation of the syringe. An angular relative assembly as described in this example can be used to generate a reduced interference variant of parallel reciprocating syringes, and to generate a reduced interference variant of any double plunger syringe (including non-reciprocating syringes).

Asymmetric thumb support points 107, 117, as shown in Figure 1, can also contribute to reducing interference. The thumb support points 107, 117 can be asymmetric in relation to the relationship of their midpoint with the underlying midline of the corresponding plunger device 106, 116. The thumb support points can be shaped in several ways, including the circular, oval, rectangular, elliptical, deviated or not from the center, as well as many other geometric shapes.

One or both points of support of the thumb can be asymmetric. Asymmetric thumb support points may also have other functions, including being a component of a plunger lock, as described elsewhere.

Some previous reciprocating syringes have limited performance due to low resistance in operation, allowing the plungers to move spontaneously or with very little force, which causes the device to malfunction. Involuntary movement with minor forces is not usually a problem with the functional piston 106 because the plug 103 generally provides considerable resistance or static friction that tends to slow the movement of the plunger. However, the auxiliary plunger 116 in anterior reciprocating syringes, in general, did not provide adequate strength to resist spontaneous movement or caused by minor forces. This can cause instability or dysfunction of the device and, in the case of a pulley mechanism, redundancy in the transmission, which can be prevented by placing a resistance mechanism 112 in the auxiliary piston 116. In the example shown in the Figure, a conventional syringe cap provides the desired strength. In other examples, the resistance mechanism may be an incomplete plug (if a pneumatic seal is not necessary), or a ring, band, protuberance or other shape, either fixed to the plunger or by coating the auxiliary tube or guide. The resistance mechanism may comprise an elastic or compression and expansive material, such as rubber, synthetic plastics with rubber properties, foam or even mechanical devices that provide the desired strength. In the case of an auxiliary piston or a piston equivalent secured on the outside of a functional syringe tube by a complete or incomplete band secured to the auxiliary piston (as described in US Patent 6,231,550), there may be a mechanism for resistance on the outer surface of the functional syringe, the auxiliary piston retaining band or the transmission, on the inner surface of the auxiliary piston or on the auxiliary piston guide on the finger tab of the syringe. Resistance devices according to the present invention can greatly improve the function of reciprocating syringes and related devices by reducing unintentional movement, preventing transmission redundancy and optimizing smooth and controlled movement, and can generally be applied to reciprocating devices of two pistons, equivalent to two pistons and two transmissions.

Execution of example. Pulley / Transmission / Plunger Complex.

Some reciprocating syringe designs employ a pulley mechanism that mechanically joins the two pistons or piston equivalents so that these two members move reciprocatingly. Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a typical piston and pulley transmission complex, which we will now refer to as a piston complex. The piston complex comprises a dominant piston 202, an auxiliary piston or a piston equivalent 212, a transmission 205 and couplings for transmission in the pistons 204, 214. The fixing areas are illustrated towards the ends of the piston plug 201 , 211, but they can be anywhere in the pistons, depending on the particular construction and the dimension of the pulley device between the two tubes or ducts. The pistons 202, 212 further comprise the thumb support points 203, 213.

In some embodiments, the plungers may comprise separate pieces, for example, conventional syringe pieces or specially shaped pieces. The transmission in some embodiments comprises a continuous column filament or other continuous material that is fixed to the plungers in various ways. The transmission may be welded or cemented to a plunger. The transmission can be placed along a hole or notch in the plunger and then the transmission is set so that it does not exit through the hole or notch, for example, tying, welding, cementing or deforming the transmission with heat or means mechanics The transmission can be fixed with mechanical clamps to the plunger. The plunger may comprise hooks, rings, washers, grooves, lock structures (groove and hole attached), male or female fittings, compression mechanisms or other devices similar to those that the transmission is fixed by tying, welding, coupling, applying friction, by maneuvering or connecting the male and female connectors. The transmission and the piston can have complementary accessories (male-female, key and lock, for example) that is coupled when the accessories are joined, for example, by the approach of the connectors, or joining them and then passing them through the slot. Said connectors can be coupled to or manufactured in the piston and / or the transmission after each part is manufactured, or they can be molded as an integrated part of a component when the component is manufactured (for example, molded or extruded).

The plunger complex can also be molded as an integrated part. With an appropriate type of plastic, the entire plunger complex, which includes the transmission, the dominant plunger and the auxiliary plunger can be injection molded as an integrated part. Alternatively, a suitable temperature resistant transmission can be placed in the mold and then mold the two pistons around it, resulting in a high temperature link between the pistons and the transmission and an integrated device. On the other hand, the pistons can be solid, propped up (as in most conventional syringes), columnar, hollow or adopt different geometric shapes, as long as they can contain and are complementary to the design of the tube and / or the guides.

Execution of example. Self-guided pulleys and line retention

The pulley mechanism of a reciprocating syringe generally remains between the two tubes or guides and allows the low friction movement of the transmission on its surface as the pistons move. This pulley can take various forms, but a static version such as that described in US Patent 6,245,046 B1 is considered economical and practical. Regardless of the pulley mechanism used, it is important that the transmission remains in the guide even when there is redundancy in the transmission. Transmission redundancy can happen when the syringe is mounted or when a plunger is pulled. The transmission, when there is redundancy, can leave the pulley mechanism. When tension is applied to the transmission again when one of the pistons is pressed, if the transmission does not align properly in relation to the pulley, the device may misalign, increase the resistance to the desired movement and stop working properly.

The potential problem is illustrated schematically in Figure 3. A cross-sectional view through the finger tabs of a reciprocating syringe 301 describes a dominant tube 302, an auxiliary tube 303, a pulley 304 and a transmission 302. The static pulley or dynamic 304 is created by splicing the dominant 302 and auxiliary tubes 303. The pulley can have a conventional tube surface, a contiguous smooth surface 307 created by the molding of the tubes or by a frame containing the tubes, by a slot 308 to control the position of the transmission or by means of a protuberance with a slot 309 for the same purpose. In previous configurations, the pulley is at the same level or above 305 the original tube wall. In conditions of resistance redundancy, the resistance can be displaced from the pulley and cannot be realigned when the voltage passes, afterwards, to the transmission.

A self-guided pulley can be manufactured if the joint surface of the two pipes is below the original or surrounding surface, which creates a funnel effect where the transmission tension will place the transmission in the appropriate pulley position. Example embodiments of simple pulleys with self-guidance are shown schematically in Figure 3 (a, b). A cross-sectional view through the finger tabs of a reciprocating syringe 311 with a self-guided pulley device describes a dominant tube 312, an auxiliary or guide tube 313, a static or dynamic pulley 314 below the level of the original walls of the tube 315 and a transmission 316. The self-guided static or dynamic pulley can be located below the level of the original walls of the tube or frame 315 (or simply below the adjacent areas of the syringe surface), which creates a funnel effect that mechanically places the transmission in its correct position. Additional cross-sectional views through the midline of the syringe in the plane of the self-guided pulley device, which show the transmission along the surface of a self-guided pulley created by (1) curved or inclined tube joint walls 317, (2) a recessed groove in the curved walls of the pipe joint 318, and (3) a recessed groove in the inclined walls of the pipe joint 319. Other configurations having surfaces with more sides can also be carried out. high and lower midline surfaces, all of which can place the transmission on the desired surface of the pulley or guide when there is tension in the transmission. These self-guided pulleys can be static or dynamic. Alternatively, the pulley surface can be manufactured substantially smooth or with semi-columns, so that a groove is not necessary.

The transmission may also be surrounded or contained by a complete or partial retention band or a guide included in the pulley point, any of which may prevent unwanted movement of the transmission. However, it may be more difficult to mount such line retention pulleys than self-guided pulleys. Self-guided and line retention pulleys can reduce the assembly time of the devices and the possibility of device failure or malfunction. Similar self-guided and retention pulleys can also have mechanical applications beyond reciprocating syringes.

Execution of example. Reciprocating syringes based on a frame

The tube complex of a reciprocating syringe can be manufactured similarly to that of a conventional syringe tube. Injection molding can be an efficient way of production with plastics and other injectable and adjustable materials. The entire tube complex, including the dominant tube, the finger tabs and the auxiliary or guide tube, can be molded by injection into one piece. A special mold for the entire tube complex can eliminate complex tube assembly and reduce production costs. Dimensional tolerances in said mold they must be very precise, since the parts of the syringe must fit perfectly to maintain the integrity of the pressure / vacuum. In addition, a specialized mold is usually needed for each different size or type of reciprocating syringe.

A frame-based reciprocating syringe can be an alternative to previous production procedures (including the assembly of geared and complementary parts by cementation and welding, and by injection molding in one or more parts). A frame can be manufactured, optionally with an integrated auxiliary tube or guide, that fits completely or partly around or that surrounds an essentially conventional syringe tube. The frame can rigidly secure the syringe tube in relation to the auxiliary or guide tube, and thus the tube complex is created. Said frame or housing may comprise permanent or temporary clamps, rigid passive fittings, a hinge closure device, and flexible, plastic, rigid, rubber or elastic fittings that may contain a conventional tube or tubes and hold them inside or in a rigid frame (which may be the auxiliary or guide tube), or locking mechanisms such as teeth and other mechanical mechanisms so that a conventional syringe can be linked to a frame and the resulting dominant tube can be fixed relative to the auxiliary or guide tube. A frame-based structure can provide a reciprocating syringe device where conventional syringes can be replaced if necessary (a reusable reciprocating frame), or alternatively, can be permanently attached to the syringe, thus creating a disposable reciprocating syringe.

In the case of reciprocating syringes with a pulley, the pulley device can be in the frame, and in alternative versions with transmissions, tires and rack-and-pinion devices, these devices can also be part of the frame. A particular advantage of the approach of an outer frame that converts a substantially conventional syringe into a disposable or reusable reciprocating syringe is that reciprocating versions of many existing syringes can be manufactured easily and cheaply by means of molds for frames that are much cheaper You create an expensive precision mold that includes the syringe tube itself. This also allows different materials to be assembled to form a reciprocating syringe, among other glass, plastic and other special materials.

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of an example of such a framework. The example frame comprises two halves that are like reflections that can be joined by cementation or welding. They can also be joined by snaps, retaining bands, locking devices or interdigitating members, or they can even be molded around existing syringes. The frame or housing parts may contain the syringes, as shown in the example. The frame can also be limited to holding the syringes without containing them, and in that case it can be formed as an individual part more easily. In the example of Figure 4, the auxiliary or guide tube consists of another syringe tube or a part of a tube that can be inserted into the frame or housing. The auxiliary tube can also be a real piece of the housing instead of an exogenous tube that is inserted. There are corresponding portions of the frame or housing to contain the needle adjustment and finger tabs of the conventional syringe, but other rigid designs can be made and anticipated.

Figure 4 shows the top and oblique views of one half of a frame or housing to create a reciprocating syringe from a conventional syringe. The two parts do not have to be identical or reflexes, as in the example shown, while holding the syringe tube and the auxiliary tube or guide firmly in relation to each other. The frame or housing may consist only of one part, such as a syringe holder, but instead of containing a tube it may contain the dominant tube and the auxiliary or guide tube, or it may integrate the auxiliary or guide tube into the frame or Case. Figure 4 shows an example of a specific housing for a dominant syringe tube 401, an opening suitable for needle adjustment of the syringe 402. The material may be transparent or translucent, or it may be tinted or opaque with an optional section. to expose the volume marks on the fixed syringe 403. The frame can be shaped so as to allow the fingers to come together, creating a grip with the fingers 404. There is also a housing 405 for an auxiliary or guide tube (although the housing may contain a tube or guide integrated with the housing) where the auxiliary piston or equivalent piston can be moved, optionally shaped to provide a finger grip 406. The frame provides a static or dynamic pulley (or, in the case of other embodiments, a transmission or pneumatic guide) 407, finger tabs 408, fixing slots 409 for holding and fixing the finger tabs of the syringe tubes located in the frame or the housing, and the junction points 410 where the pieces of the frame can be joined, cemented, hooked, interdigitated or otherwise joined. This frame or housing can be grouped using only those materials that are required for strength, and can be made of various materials, including plastic, metal, glass and composites.

Frames or housings of other designs are anticipated, all intended to relatively fix the position of the dominant tube and the auxiliary or guide tube. Other changes in the design, including parallel or non-parallel relationships of the dominant and auxiliary or guide tubes, can also be included in said frame or housing. Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a frame or housing 501 containing a conventional syringe as a dominant syringe 502, and the auxiliary tube or conduit is a smaller conventional syringe without the adjustment for needle 503, and the two pistons mechanically linked with a transmission and a pulley mechanism 504.

Figure 13 (a, b, c) comprises schematic illustrations of variations in the construction of the tube complex. Figure 13a illustrates a one-piece frame where conventional or unconventional syringes can be inserted and joined with retention devices, as already mentioned. The frame includes a housing for a tube key syringe 1301, an opening for a syringe needle adjustment 1302, a region in section to expose the volume marks of the syringe 1303, a region in section for a finger grip 1304, a housing for a syringe tube of functional or non-functional auxiliary transmission 1305, a section for a finger grip 1306, a static or dynamic pulley 1307, finger tabs 1308, fixing grooves for finger tabs of syringe tubes 1309 and locking mechanisms to maintain the dominant and auxiliary syringe tubes in the support 1310.

Figure 13b illustrates a one-piece frame where only the dominant syringe is inserted and the auxiliary tube is integrated with the frame. The frame has an integrated auxiliary tube and a housing for a dominant syringe tube 1321, an opening for a syringe needle adjustment 1322, a region in section to expose the volume marks of the syringe 1323, a region in section for a finger grip 1324, an inner tube of a non-functional auxiliary transmission syringe 1325, an outer surface of the auxiliary tube 1326, a static or dynamic pulley 1327, finger tabs 1328, fixing grooves for finger tabs of the tube of the 1329 key syringe and locking mechanisms to hold the dominant syringe tubes in the support 1330.

Figure 13c illustrates a one-piece tube complex that has integrated dominant and auxiliary tubes. The one-piece tube complex has integrated dominant and auxiliary tubes 1341, an adjustment for syringe needle 1342, an internal portion of the dominant syringe tube 1343, an external surface of the dominant tube 1344, an internal tube of an auxiliary transmission syringe Non-functional 1345, an outer surface of the auxiliary tube 1346, a static or dynamic pulley 1347, and finger tabs 1348. The auxiliary tube in all these embodiments may include a needle or catheter adjustment (not shown). It is envisioned that there are different frame designs that can fit into conventional frame tubes in a parallel direction of insertion or a non-parallel direction, depending on the design of the locking or fixing mechanisms.

Execution of example. Reciprocating syringes with piston locks.

Piston locks are used in conventional syringes to prevent involuntary injection or loss of fluid contained in a syringe, or alternatively to maintain pressure or vacuum in a syringe. Conventional piston locks will work in a reciprocating syringe in the same way as a conventional syringe. However, mechanically attached plungers in a reciprocating syringe can provide particular opportunities for plunger blockage. Conventional piston locks are usually one of (1) a rigid spacer device that fits between the thumb support point of the plunger and the syringe tube (usually fixes the plunger so that it cannot be depressed), ( 2) a support that mechanically joins the tube and the plunger of the syringe and fixes them in one position (prevents oppression and removal of the plunger), and (3) a locking plunger, where there is an accessory in the plunger or the tube that makes, when the piston rotates or the accessory is operated, the piston adjusts and locks into the tube. In a conventional syringe, all these blocking devices work on the dominant piston since there is no auxiliary piston.

In a reciprocating syringe, since the dominant plunger is mechanically linked to the auxiliary plunger or plunger device, the control of the auxiliary plunger will control the dominant plunger. Therefore, the reciprocating syringe is exceptional in that the blocking mechanisms can be applied specifically to the auxiliary piston or equivalent piston instead of the dominant piston. Accordingly, existing piston locking mechanisms can be applied to the auxiliary piston to control the dominant piston.

A significant use of reciprocating syringes is the generation of vacuum for various procedures. When vacuum is generated with a reciprocating syringe, the auxiliary piston is depressed with the thumb, resulting in aspiration by the dominant plunger. Since the auxiliary piston is depressed during aspiration, the thumb support point of the auxiliary piston approaches the tube complex, including finger tabs, which offers a unique opportunity to create a locking mechanism. In this construction, a locking mechanism can be placed in the auxiliary piston near the point of support of the thumb, so that the point of support of the thumb is close to the syringe tube complex, the locking mechanism of the piston fits with the corresponding mechanism of the tube complex and this results in the blocking of the auxiliary piston in the tube complex. Since the dominant piston is mechanically linked to the auxiliary piston in a reciprocating manner, fixing the auxiliary piston to the tube complex fixes the dominant piston in the suction mode, which creates a constant vacuum. This can be particularly useful for fine needle aspiration biopsy.

The mechanisms to achieve this blocking of the auxiliary plunger in the tube complex include mechanical clamps that are fixed to the plunger and fixed to the tube complex, hooks, rings, washers, compression mechanisms or other similar devices, male and female connectors (or other complementary connectors) connected to each other by joining the male and female connectors and separating them reversibly, and locking mechanisms of the tube and piston complex that are actuated by rotating the auxiliary piston.

A particularly advantageous procedure for creating an auxiliary locking plunger or plunger with the reciprocating syringe takes advantage of the asymmetrical thumb support point and the ability of the reciprocating syringe to have a directionality to the plunger and still be able to rotate. The directionality of the plunger in a reciprocating syringe takes place because the pulley is attached to the plunger at a certain point, and when there is tension in the transmission the junction point it is oriented towards the pulley, and this places the asymmetric thumb rest point in a predictable position. Figure 6 shows a locking mechanism that takes advantage of this.

The support point of the thumb 602 is asymmetric (front view in Figure 6a, side view in Figure 6b) and is fixed to the body of the plunger 601, and may have a bulge or retention boss 603 or surface texture so that is retained in the locking mechanism, even if it is not necessary for operation. Figure 6c shows a side view of the locking mechanism 606. The locking mechanism 606 is integrated with or mounted on the finger flange 605 adjacent to the tube and the guide wall 604. The locking mechanism 606 has a roof and a space to contain the support point of the asymmetric thumb and may have a retention edge 607 that fits with the bulge or retention protrusion. When the asymmetric thumb support point and the plunger are turned (figure 6d), the thumb support point 608 is locked in the locking mechanism of the finger flange 605. Figure 6e illustrates the reciprocating syringe before aspirating, with the auxiliary piston 609 fully extended. Figure 6f illustrates a side view of a reciprocating syringe with the auxiliary piston depressed 610 and the syringe in total suction (vacuum) mode. Figure 6g illustrates a side view of a reciprocating syringe with the resting point of the asymmetric thumb turned and locked 611 on the finger flange locking accessory with the rotated transmission 612. There is energy stored in the rotated transmission, so that With a slight thumb pressure, the auxiliary piston rotates spontaneously, returns to the neutral position and the auxiliary piston can extend and release the vacuum.

Execution of example. Reciprocating syringes as an introduction for cables and catheters.

Needles are often used to insert a cable or catheter. However, placing the needle in the right place without vacuum can be difficult, especially for low-pressure collections of liquids, such as in a vein. Since the reciprocating syringe is a one-hand syringe, it is ideal for medical procedures where a vacuum is convenient when placing vascular or visceral cables and catheters. The reciprocating versions of introduction syringes already available can be manufactured as in the examples already described.

Figure 14 shows an example of the conversion of a conventional procedure syringe into a reciprocating process syringe, in this case, the construction of a reciprocating insert syringe. A conventional introduction syringe becomes a reciprocating safety syringe by adding an auxiliary tube or guide, and the auxiliary piston with transmission. In this embodiment, a conventional introduction syringe is inserted into a frame like the dominant syringe 1401. This includes the needle adjustment in the introduction syringe 1402; a female introduction accessory with funnel-shaped surface and angular tube to allow the orientation of the cable 1403 (other introduction mechanisms can also be used analogously); an outlet cavity in the plunger for an introducer cable, with an optional partition or valve to prevent movement of the gas or liquid 1404. The reciprocating syringe also comprises a stopper / resistance device 1405 in the plunger of the dominant safety syringe with or without partition or valve to prevent the movement of gas or liquid; a cavity for the introduction cable 1406 in a tube handle; a functional tube 1407 of the introduction syringe, a finger tab 1408; the functional plunger 1409; the support point for the asymmetric or symmetric thumb 1410; an inlet cavity in the plunger for the introduction cable 1411, with an optional partition or valve to prevent the movement of gas or liquid in the cavity; an auxiliary tube or guide 1421 with or without needle adjustment; a plug / resistor device 1422 in an auxiliary piston; a tube or guide 1423 for the auxiliary piston, equivalent of the piston or reciprocating member; a reciprocating mechanical link 1424 between the pistons (pulley, transmission, hydraulic or mechanism), in this case a monofilament pulley mechanism fixed to the two pistons; a finger tab 1425; an auxiliary piston 1426, a piston equivalent or reciprocating member, an asymmetric or symmetrical thumb support point 1427 of the auxiliary piston. Any introduction syringe can similarly be converted into a reciprocating introduction syringe. Alternatively, as in any reciprocating syringe, the entire introduction syringe tube complex can be manufactured in one piece and in several pieces and assembled.

Alternatively, a reciprocating syringe can be transformed into an introduction syringe with the appropriate needle setting. Figure 7 (a, b) shows examples of said internal introduction accessories. Figure 7a is a side view of a direct reciprocating introducer. Figure 7a is a side view of a reciprocating side access introducer. For both versions, there must be an accessory for the reciprocating syringe 701, a connection of the accessory to an introduction needle 702 so that vacuum can be applied to the introduction needle, an introduction needle 703; an introduction port 704 to allow the cable to be oriented towards the introduction needle, an optional airtight membrane, an annular seal, a leaflet, a funnel or other seal 705 to prevent loss of vacuum (alternatively, it can be replaced by a plug that fits in the insertion accessory), an introduction accessory 706 to allow access to the introduction needle, and a cable or catheter 707 that is guided toward the introduction needle. These introduction accessories can take several different forms, but basically the vacuum is applied with the reciprocating syringe until there is blood or liquid return, and then the cable is oriented towards the introduction port.

Most angiocatheter needles have an external catheter that is guided toward an insertion needle. Most of these needles are now safety versions and internalize the introduction needle after use. However, since the reciprocating syringe is a stable single-handed syringe, it can be used as a vacuum introducer source, with an introduction needle mounted on the syringe. Once you get the Vascular access can be pushed through the needle into the vein or body cavity, completely conventionally. The plunger lock version of this syringe can also be useful for this use. Then, the safety versions of the reciprocating syringe may contain the introducer needle.

Execution of example. Reciprocating safety syringes.

Reciprocating versions of safety syringes can be manufactured with a frame-based approach, as already described. Figure 8 shows an example of the construction of a reciprocating safety syringe, where a conventional safety syringe is converted into a reciprocating safety syringe by the addition of an auxiliary tube or guide, and the auxiliary piston with transmission. In this exemplary embodiment, a conventional safety syringe is introduced as the dominant syringe 801. This includes a needle fit in the safety syringe 802, a female safety accessory with a needle adjustment housing 803, although it can be used. another safety mechanism and a male safety accessory in the plunger 804. Figure 8 illustrates a plug and resistance device 805 in the plunger of the dominant safety syringe; a device that is removed by lifting it on the plunger to prevent its reuse 806; the functional tube of the safety syringe 807; 808 finger tab; functional piston 809; the symmetrical or asymmetric thumb support point 810; an auxiliary tube or guide 821 with or without needle adjustment; a plug or resistor device 822 in an auxiliary piston; a tube or guide 823 for the auxiliary piston, equivalent of the piston or reciprocating member; a mechanical connection 824 between pistons (pulley, transmission, hydraulic or mechanism), in the example a pulley mechanism monofilantly fixed to the two pistons; an 825 finger tab; an auxiliary piston 826, a piston equivalent or a reciprocating member, and a symmetrical or asymmetrical thumb rest point 827 on the auxiliary piston.

Figure 9 illustrates the reciprocating safety syringe mounted: housing 901 or frame that creates the tube complex; conventional safety syringe and plunger 902; and auxiliary piston 903 and auxiliary tube or guide.

Execution of example. Reciprocating Menghini needle syringe.

Menghini's needle syringes are biopsy needles where the needle is integrated with the syringe and the syringe stylet is actually integrated into the syringe plunger. See, for example, US Patent 4619272. Existing and future Menghini needle syringes can be constructed by frame-based procedures, as already described.

Figure 10 shows an example of the construction of a reciprocating Menghini syringe, where a conventional Menghini syringe is converted into a reciprocating Menghini syringe by the addition of an auxiliary or guide tube, and an auxiliary piston with transmission. In this exemplary embodiment, a conventional Menghini needle syringe is introduced as the dominant syringe 1001. This includes the needle adjustment of the Menghini needle syringe 1002; the guide for the Menghini needle stylus in the needle adjustment housing 1003 (other guiding mechanisms may be used); and the stylus of the Menghini needle in the plunger 1004. The syringe further comprises a stopper and resistance device 1005 in the plunger of the dominant Menghini needle syringe; a device that is removed by lifting it or locking device 1006 in the plunger to prevent reuse or to lock the plunger in position; the functional tube of the Menghini 1007 needle syringe; the finger tab 1008; the functional plunger 1009; the symmetric or asymmetric thumb support point 1010; the biopsy needle portion of the Menghini 1011 needle syringe; an auxiliary tube or guide 1021 with or without needle adjustment; a plug or resistor device 1022 in an auxiliary piston; a tube or guide 1023 for an auxiliary piston, equivalent to the piston or reciprocating member; a mechanical connection 1024 between pistons (pulley, transmission, hydraulic or mechanism), in this case a pulley mechanism monofilantly fixed to the two pistons; a finger tab 1025; an auxiliary piston 1026, a piston equivalent or a reciprocating member, and a symmetrical or asymmetric thumb support point 1027 on the auxiliary piston. All the tube complexes described can be used for the reciprocating Menghini needle syringe.

Execution of example. Double reciprocating syringe.

In certain applications, a reciprocating syringe with two functional syringes may have advantages. Examples of application include those where something must be aspirated and another component must be injected, or in certain dual-cycle manual piston pumps. Double reciprocating versions of all existing syringes and to be manufactured using frame-based methods can be constructed. Figure 11 illustrates two functional syringes and reciprocating tubes. A housing or frame 1101 creates the tube complex; a first conventional syringe and plunger with an adjustment for needle or catheter 1102 is mounted with the frame; A second conventional piston and tube with a needle or catheter adjustment 1103 is mounted with the frame. Syringes may have an identical volume, but it is not necessary. One or both syringes may be special syringes.

Execution of example. High pressure reciprocating syringe.

In some applications, a reciprocating syringe with high pressure capabilities may be advantageous, for example, for rapid contrast injection for angiographic procedures and other radiological and imaging procedures. Reciprocating versions of all high pressure syringes can be constructed by methods based on frames. Figure 12 illustrates an example of a high pressure syringe for rapid and high pressure injections, with a high pressure functional syringe and an appropriately modified plunger. An integrated shell or frame or tube complex creates the tube complex 1201; a high pressure tube and piston 1202 are mounted with the frame; an auxiliary tube and piston 1203 are mounted with the frame. The plunger may have an appropriately configured thumb rest point 1204 and finger tabs 1205.

The particular sizes and equipment mentioned are cited only to illustrate particular embodiments of the invention. It is contemplated that the use of the invention requires components with different sizes and characteristics. The scope of the invention is set forth in the interpretation of the appended claims.

Claims (12)

1. A reciprocating syringe, comprising: a frame, which defines a first receptacle (401) and a second receptacle (405); the first receptacle is suitable for retaining a first implantable syringe tube and the second receptacle is suitable for retaining a second implantable syringe tube; a plunger complex (504), comprising a first plunger (106) suitable for use with a syringe tube retained in the first receptacle, and a second plunger (116) suitable for use with a syringe tube retained in the second receptacle, where the first and second plunger are coupled so that the movement of the first plunger in one direction in a syringe tube retained in the first receptacle causes the movement of the second plunger out of a syringe tube retained in the second receptacle, and so that the movement of the second piston in the direction of a syringe tube retained in the second receptacle causes the movement of the first piston out of a syringe tube retained in the first receptacle; characterized in that the first retained implantable syringe tube is a tube of an introduction syringe, and the first plunger has an outlet cavity suitable for the passage of an introduction cable therethrough. 2. A reciprocating syringe as in claim 1, wherein the first and second plunger are connected by a line (114), and wherein the frame defines a pulley (304) located so that the line passes through the pulley when the first Plunger is coupled with the first implantable syringe tube retained and the second plunger is coupled with the second implantable syringe tube. 3. A reciprocating syringe as in claim 2, wherein the pulley comprises a surface (314) over which the line passes. 4. A reciprocating syringe as in claim 3, wherein the pulley comprises a groove in the surface, and said groove is adapted to allow smooth coupling with the line (114) when any of the plungers moves in a direction towards the corresponding retained implantable syringe tube. 5. A reciprocating syringe as in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the surface defines a path length for the line along the surface, depending on the path the line takes on the surface, and so that the variety of travel lengths gradually increase as line (114) moves away from the path that defines the shortest path length. 6. A reciprocating syringe as in claim 5, wherein the surface further defines a groove in the surface, where the path through the groove is the shortest path length, and said groove is adapted to allow smooth coupling with the line when any of the pistons move in a direction towards the corresponding implantable syringe tube. 7. A reciprocating syringe as in claim 1, wherein the outer frame is configured such that a syringe tube retained in the first receptacle defines a first axis in the direction of movement of the first plunger when coupled with said syringe tube, and where the outer frame is configured such that a syringe tube retained in the second receptacle defines a second axis along the direction of movement of the second piston when coupled with the second tube, and where the first axis is not parallel to the second axis. 8. A reciprocating syringe as in claim 7, wherein the outer frame is configured such that the separation between the first axis and the second axis is not as close to the ends of the needle of the first and the second tube as of the ends of the piston of the first and the second tube. 9. A reciprocating syringe as in claim 1, wherein the frame defines an optically transmitted portion located relative to the first receptacle so that the marks on a syringe tube retained in the first receptacle can be seen through the optically transmitted portion . 10. A reciprocating syringe as in claim 9, wherein the optically transmitted portion comprises an open portion of the frame or a transparent window in the frame. 11. A reciprocating syringe as in claim 9, wherein the frame defines a second optically transmitted portion located relative to the second receptacle so that the marks on a syringe tube retained in the second receptacle can be seen through the second portion Optically transmitted 12. A reciprocating syringe as in claim 1, wherein the first plunger is shaped to engage a locking mechanism (607) of the frame, wherein the locking mechanism substantially prevents movement of the first plunger in at least one of (a) in relation to the first tube, and (b) outward in relation to the first tube, when coupled.